Systems and methods for generating compost

Abstract

Systems and methods for the generation of compost are provided. In one embodiment, the system for generating compost comprises a positively aerated floor, a semi gas and liquid impermeable compost cover sized to cover a compost biomass pile placed on the positively aerated floor, and a suction system positioned under or substantially close to the compost cover and generally near a top of the compost biomass pile, wherein the floor comprises a plurality of channels connected to at least one gas flow pipe installed below or above grade, wherein gas drawn by suction system at the top of the biomass compost pile maintains a negative pressure across the compost cover, thereby generating suction between the compost cover and the top of the compost biomass pile, and wherein the compost cover directs substantially all of the gas flow towards the suction system.

1. A system for generating compost, comprising:
 (a) a working surface for supporting a compost biomass pile; and 
 (b) an aeration vault forming system positioned on an upper surface of the working surface, 
 wherein the aeration vault forming system is capable of forming an aeration vault in a lower portion of the compost biomass pile that allows aeration of the compost biomass pile. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault forming system has an elongated, tubular configuration. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault forming system comprises an elongated tubular sleeve. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the aeration vault forming system further comprises a tube that encloses an end portion of the elongated tubular sleeve. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4 , wherein the elongated tubular sleeve has a cross-section that can be reduced in size to be smaller than an internal diameter of the tube. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault forming system comprises a vaulted ceiling having a structural arch shape. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault forming system has a square-like configuration at its lower surface for enhancing stability during deployment of the forming system. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault forming system is positioned in a channel provided on an upper surface of the working surface, whereby the aeration vault forming system shrinks down into the channel when deflated. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein an end of the aeration vault is connected to a forced air aeration system, thereby allowing induced aeration to take place within the composting system. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault is open at least one end, thereby allowing passive aeration to take place within the composting system. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pump connectable to the aeration vault forming system. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a wall positioned at an end of the aeration vault forming system and having an passageway formed therethrough, whereby air is able to flow through the passageway and into the aeration vault. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the aeration vault forming system is connected to a pressure maintenance device. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13 , wherein the pressure maintenance device maintains fluid pressure between 0.5 and 5.0 psi. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the aeration vault forming system further comprises a plurality of aeration ports arranged along a length of the elongated tubular sleeve for distributing air into the compost biomass pile when the aeration vault forming system is inflated. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of aeration ports comprises a one-way check valve that prevents movement of gas into the aeration vault forming system. 
     
     
       17. A system for generating compost, comprising:
 (a) a working surface for supporting a compost biomass pile; and 
 (b) an aeration vault forming system positioned on an upper surface of the working surface and comprising an inflatable elongated tubular sleeve, 
 wherein the aeration vault forming system is capable of forming an aeration vault in a lower portion of the compost biomass pile that allows aeration of the compost biomass pile. 
 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 17 , wherein an end of the aeration vault is connected to a forced air aeration system, thereby allowing induced aeration to take place within the composting system. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the aeration vault is open at least one end, thereby allowing passive aeration to take place within the composting system. 
     
     
       20. The system of  claim 17 , wherein the aeration vault forming system further comprises a guide tube that encloses an end portion of the elongated tubular sleeve. 
     
     
       21. The system of  claim 20 , wherein the elongated tubular sleeve has a cross-section that can be reduced in size to be smaller than an internal diameter of the guide tube.